massagediva

Taping your knee might help.I would agree with the others that a trip to the doc would be a good idea.Some p.t. might be very helpful and he/she can give you some very practical advice for your trip.

Pegontheroad

Absolutely go to the doctor. I've had arthritis for a number of years and for a couple of years I had cortisone shots and synvisc injections, both of which helped for a time. (The synvisc replaces the synoval fluid in my knee joint.) I finally have had both knees replaced, which is simply wonderful. I am completely without pain when I walk.

I second the suggestions that others have made: know where you're going, take lots of sidewalk cafe breaks, maybe take a break in the middle of the day, and use cabs, etc., whenever you can. I have also used the hop-on, hop-off busses in lots of places, and have liked their convenience.

I think the cane is a great idea. I took one after having had arthroscopic surgery and a couple of times was offered rooms on lower floors when hotels didn't have elevators. It also gave me a good reason to get wheelchairs at airports so that my operated knee could rest on those long journeys from one terminal or gate to another.

wliwl

After you see your doctor for good guidelines (and I'll be very surprised if he or she warns you off of walking) I wouldn't rule out a treadmill. I figure, if your goal is to walk, and if you're cleared to do so, then you better start walking! If she or he warns you off walking then you better stay home.

Good luck and keep the faith!

suze

I'm begging you, please don't take medical advice from a travel forum!! Except for the part about seeing a doctor or specialist.

Depending on the type of knee problem compression (the taping recommended above) is not what you are supposed to do! Weight bearing exercise (get on a treadmill or walking) is different from non (use a recumbent bike).

My situation was similar to Linawood above, I traveled with a torn miniscus which had not been diagnosed. It was extremely painful and scary and looking back I should have cancelled the flight/trip and stayed home until after surgery and healing.

wanderlust5

Hi Raindrop: I have a similar issue, in that I played girl's basketball in highschool and taught tennis, and it ruined my knees. I've had the creaky knees and on again/off again pain since I literally was 17. So now, at 48, I went to the doctor and asked what I could do. He said I have crepitis, and what happens is that when the thigh muscles weaken they don't adequately support the knee and knee cap. He sent me to physical therapy to build up the strength in my things - with leg lifts and squats - and it definitely helped. Regarding Ibuprofen, he also said take 3 before going on long walks or hikes or climbing over pyramids and such. I also had my SCUBA instructor tell me the same thing when I had serious leg cramping issues during one of my open water dives in cozumel. He said to take two advil BEFORE I dive and I wouldn't get leg cramps. That was 12 years ago, and four additional SCUBA certifications after that, I have never had another leg cramp. But I would check all this out with your doctor. I just go when I am in Europe and climb all over the ruins and hike everywhere and deal with the pain, because I want to see all this stuff before I get too much older that I won't enjoy anything. In November of last year we went to Jordan and Egypt for 3 1/2 weeks and we had a blast. This year, it's Ireland in May, Italy in June and Bhutan and India for the month of November. Bravo to you for going forward and don't hurt yourself, but don't stay at home and not experience Europe. You won't be sorry and you may have to elevate your legs for a few minutes each evening when you get back to your hotel, but the adventure will be worth it!
Buon viaggio!

raindrop

Hello again!

Thanks for all the wonderful wishes and advice. My knees "click" and have since I was about 12. I have told my family doctor about this (and the pain) many times over the years, and at one point had x-rays done which showed no abnormalities. The last time I saw her she suggested we look at them with a scope (as in surgery)! I declined this as for the most part they are pain-free, it is only with a LOT of activity that there is a problem. Also, my father's knees "click" just like mine (but louder!). He is almost 70 and doesn't ever complain about them, so I kind of figured it won't get too bad.

At one point my doctor suggested I may have a certain syndrome (I can't recall the name), in which the knee is misaligned, causing friction when the joint is flexed. There is no diagnostic test for this, it is just based on patient-described symptoms.

Anyways, you have all convinced me to take better care of myself. I will schedule an appointment with a specialist right away.

Thanks again!

massagediva

Does the term chondromalacia patella ring a bell? I am a massage therapist(hence my handle) and we learned a taping protocol for this syndrome. It seems to work pretty well.

This is by no means a diagnosis nor a prescription,just something to look into with your doctor/pt/massage therapist

smilinsnoboarder

From a nursing standpoint, and I'm sure you've probably already heard this if this is a chronic problem, I recommend taking an anti-inflammatory, like Ibuprofen BEFORE the activity that agitates your knee. Also, some patients often under-medicate themselves...So if you are only taking 400 mg (i.e. 2 pills), you might try 600-800 per dose, keeping in mind the daily maximum dose. If the Ibuprofen is not helping the pain alone, it is okay to also take Tylenol, for example, since it is acetaminophen (in a different drug class) concurrently with the anti-inflammatory.
Also, coming from an immensely involved health-professions family, my step-father (a physical therapist) would recommend doing stretch-band exercises, or even using a towel as resistance to strengthen up your knee.